Multiple Highways Closed Due to Flooding in Afghanistan, One Reopened in Samangan
Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, spokesman for the Taliban Ministry of Public Works, stated that six highways and access routes to 11 districts have been closed due to flooding in provinces including Balkh, Nangarhar, Badghis, Ghor, Samangan and Bamyan. The closed routes include Marmul, Chamtala and Chahar Kint in Balkh; Nazian, Darbaba, Spin Ghar and Pachiragam in Nangarhar; Badghis-Herat and Badghis-Faryab highways; Ghor-Herat highway; Dar-e Suf-Mazar-e Sharif and Aibak-Ruy Doab in Samangan; Chahar Sada in Ghor; and Qonagh and Bekak pass in Bamyan. Cleanup efforts are underway by Public Works departments.
The Taliban Disaster Management Authority reported 110 deaths and 154 injuries from floods, rains and snowfall across Afghanistan since the 6th of Hamal. Separately, the Kabul-Kandahar highway remains closed in Zabul province, as announced the previous day.
Omid Radio reported that the main road between Aybak in Samangan and Mazar in Balkh has been reopened to traffic after a closure due to flooding in Tashkurgan Tangi. Afghanistan International had listed some Samangan routes as closed.
The Ministry of Public Works also announced the closure of the Salang highway due to heavy snow, storms and low visibility.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Where reports agree
- Recent flooding and snowfall causing road closures/disruptions in northern Afghanistan, including Samangan province
Where reports differ
- Status of Samangan roads (closed per Afghanistan International vs. Aybak-Mazar opened per Omid Radio)
- Salang road closure reported only by Omid Radio
- Casualty figures and nationwide weather losses reported only by Afghanistan International
- Specific lists of closed routes differ (detailed in Afghanistan International, none in Omid Radio)
More in Society
UNFPA Reports Health Support Reaching Over 5 Million Women and Girls in Afghanistan
Floods and Rains Kill 148 in Afghanistan Since Hamal 6, Disaster Authority Reports
Afghanistan Floods Destroy Nearly 1,000 Homes, Exacerbate Shelter Crisis
Balkh Statistics Directorate Provides Vital Registration Services to 155,610 People in Solar Year 1404
ReliableUNFPA Reports Health Support Reaching Over 5 Million Women and Girls in Afghanistan
UNFPA and the UK provided health and psychosocial support to over 5 million women and girls across all 34 Afghan provinces from 2023 to 2026, including maternal, reproductive, and mental health services. Despite reaching over 4 million in 2024 alone, UNFPA and others warn of persistent dangers in childbirth and risks from funding shortfalls and restrictions.
ReliableFloods and Rains Kill 148 in Afghanistan Since Hamal 6, Disaster Authority Reports
The National Disaster Management Authority under the Taliban says floods and rains have killed 148 people, injured 216 and left eight missing in Afghanistan since Hamal 6. Fifteen more died in the past day as major highways stay closed amid forecasts of further rain.
ReliableAfghanistan Floods Destroy Nearly 1,000 Homes, Exacerbate Shelter Crisis
Recent floods in Afghanistan have destroyed nearly 1,000 homes and partially damaged over 4,000 others, exacerbating a shelter crisis for 4.2 million people, according to UN-Habitat and local authorities. Aid has been distributed to affected families in Kandahar amid over 110 deaths from disasters including heavy rains and an earthquake.
ReliableBalkh Statistics Directorate Provides Vital Registration Services to 155,610 People in Solar Year 1404
Balkh Province's Statistics and Information Directorate provided vital registration services to 155,610 people in solar year 1404, issuing over 104,000 electronic tazkeras and handling other registrations and corrections. The directorate also conducted data collection via 1,572 forms and surveys on address mapping and food security.